Mayur Hazarika (Rank 5, UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023)

Mayur Hazarika (Rank 5, UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023)

Mayur Hazarika secured Rank 5 in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, marking an extraordinary achievement in one of India's toughest and most competitive exams. His remarkable success, especially as the highest-ranking male candidate in the 2023 examination, highlights his perseverance, hard work, and intelligent preparation strategies.

1. Background and Early Life

• Hometown: Mayur Hazarika hails from Tezpur, Assam, in the northeastern part of India. Coming from a relatively less represented region in terms of UPSC success stories, Mayur’s achievement has brought immense pride to his home state.
• Educational Background: Mayur is a medical doctor by training. He completed his MBBS degree from a reputed medical college. His background in medicine reflects his academic strength and discipline, which were crucial in his preparation journey for the UPSC exam.
• Support System: Mayur has credited his success to the constant support of his family, especially his parents, who encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming a civil servant. His academic background in medicine gave him a strong sense of responsibility towards public welfare, which eventually motivated him to join the civil services.

2. The Decision to Pursue UPSC

• Motivation: Mayur Hazarika’s decision to shift from a career in medicine to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) was driven by his desire to contribute to society on a larger scale. While medicine allows for direct impact on individual health, civil services provide a platform to influence public policy, healthcare administration, and overall governance. This broader scope to impact lives fueled his interest in joining the IAS.
• Inspiration: As a medical professional, Mayur was already committed to public service, but he saw the civil services as a platform where he could make a more systemic and far-reaching contribution, particularly in areas like public health, education, and rural development.

3. UPSC Journey and Attempts

• First Attempt Success: Remarkably, Mayur cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in his first attempt, an outstanding achievement given the immense competition and the vast syllabus of the exam. His success in a single attempt is a testament to his strategic preparation and hard work.
• Optional Subject: Mayur opted for Anthropology as his optional subject in the UPSC Mains exam. His choice was influenced by his interest in human evolution, society, and cultures, which aligned well with his medical background. Anthropology is also known for its concise syllabus, making it a popular optional subject for many aspirants.

4. Preparation Strategy

• Well-Structured Study Plan: Mayur followed a rigorous and well-planned study schedule. He ensured that his preparation for both general studies and his optional subject, Anthropology, was thorough and balanced. His methodical approach involved setting achievable daily targets and revising regularly.
• Integrated Preparation: Mayur focused on integrated preparation for both Prelims and Mains, ensuring that he covered all essential topics with depth while also keeping in mind the exam’s changing patterns.
• Answer Writing Practice: Answer writing is a critical component of UPSC Mains success, and Mayur excelled in this area. Regular practice allowed him to present his answers in a structured, concise, and clear manner. His medical training likely honed his analytical thinking, which translated well into answer writing.
• Mock Tests and Self-Evaluation: Mayur took multiple mock tests, both for Prelims and Mains, to simulate the exam environment and assess his performance. These tests helped him build exam temperament and time management skills, two key factors for success in UPSC.
• Focus on Revision: Like many toppers, Mayur placed strong emphasis on revision. He kept his resources limited but revised them multiple times to ensure he had a strong grasp of the material. This strategy allowed him to recall key information efficiently during the exam.

5. Challenges and Overcoming Them

• Balancing Medicine and UPSC: One of the primary challenges Mayur faced was balancing his medical background with the demands of UPSC preparation. Medicine requires a scientific mindset, but UPSC demands a broader understanding of social sciences, governance, and current affairs. Mayur overcame this by maintaining a focused study schedule, dedicating significant time to his optional subject and general studies.
• First-Attempt Pressure: Clearing the exam in the first attempt is never easy, and Mayur faced the usual pressure associated with such a high-stakes exam. However, his meticulous approach and commitment to sticking to his plan ensured that he was well-prepared when he took the exam.

6. Key Takeaways from Mayur’s Journey

• Consistent and Focused Preparation: Mayur’s journey highlights the importance of consistent and focused preparation. His structured study plan, discipline, and ability to stay committed to his goals were instrumental in his success.
• Optional Subject Selection: Choosing the right optional subject is critical in UPSC Mains. Mayur’s choice of Anthropology, despite his medical background, shows that a strategic decision in selecting a subject that one is comfortable with can make a big difference. He excelled in Anthropology by aligning his strengths and interests with the subject.
• Mock Tests and Revision: His success demonstrates the importance of taking mock tests and continuous revision. Mayur’s focus on self-evaluation through mock tests and regular revision allowed him to refine his preparation and perform confidently during the exam.
• Mental Resilience: Mayur also exhibited mental resilience, an essential quality for cracking an exam like UPSC. Despite the enormous syllabus and high competition, he stayed focused and managed his stress effectively.

7. Message to Aspirants

• Stay Focused and Disciplined: Mayur emphasizes the importance of discipline and focus in UPSC preparation. He encourages aspirants to stay committed to their study schedules and avoid distractions.
• Balance Your Preparation: His message to aspirants is to maintain a balanced preparation strategy, covering both general studies and the optional subject thoroughly. He advises against neglecting one for the other.
• Revise and Practice: Like other toppers, Mayur stresses the importance of multiple revisions and answer writing practice. These activities build confidence and ensure retention of important concepts.
• Believe in Yourself: Self-belief is crucial for success, according to Mayur. He advises aspirants to trust in their preparation, stay confident, and approach the exam with a positive mindset.

Mayur Hazarika’s achievement of Rank 5 in his first attempt is a testament to his hard work, strategic planning, and dedication. His success serves as an inspiration to UPSC aspirants, proving that with the right mindset, discipline, and preparation, even the most challenging goals can be achieved.